Speaking at the 2025 Democracy Dialogues, organised under the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, President Mahama urged African leaders to focus on strengthening democratic institutions while ensuring that citizens experience the tangible benefits of governance.

“To renew democracy, we must do certain things. First, we must strengthen institutions—independent courts, parliaments, and electoral bodies. Second, we must deliver development, because democracy without roads, schools, hospitals, and jobs will always be at risk,” he said.

He added that education, civic freedom, and a vibrant press are equally crucial in safeguarding democracy.

“Third, we must educate our citizens. Fourth, we must protect media and civic space. A free press is democracy’s immune system,” he stated.

The President also called for stronger regional cooperation, warning that instability in one country threatens democratic progress across the continent.

“We must build regional solidarity because the fall of democracy in one nation weakens democracy in all others. As host, Ghana recommits to upholding democracy, not just in rhetoric but in practice. We will defend the independence of our institutions, support free expression, and continue to stand with ECOWAS in promoting democratic governance across West Africa,” he said.

President Mahama cautioned that democracy weakens when leaders lack integrity and citizens lose confidence in institutions, but encouraged Africans to rise in defence of their freedoms.

“Democracy dies when citizens lose faith, when leaders abandon integrity, and when institutions succumb to capture. But democracy can be renewed when citizens rise to defend it,” he stated.

Quoting former Czech President Václav Havel, President Mahama said, “The salvation of this human world lies nowhere else than in the human heart. The survival of democracy depends on us—leaders, citizens, and institutions—choosing courage over complacency.”

Source: Clara Seshie

Speaking at the 2025 Democracy Dialogues, organised under the auspices of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, President Mahama called for regional solidarity within ECOWAS, cautioning that the decline of democracy in one country undermines stability and democratic progress across West Africa.

“Democracy dies when citizens lose faith, when leaders abandon integrity, and institutions succumb to capture. But democracy can be renewed when citizens rise to defend it,” he said.

Quoting former Czech President Václav Havel, President Mahama reminded participants that “the salvation of this human world lies nowhere else than in the human heart.” He added, “The survival of democracy depends on us—leaders, citizens, institutions—and on choosing courage over complacency.”

The President also outlined what he described as the essential pillars for sustaining true democracy in Africa.

“Democracy without development—without roads, schools, hospitals, and jobs—will always be at risk,” he said, emphasizing that people’s trust in democratic systems is maintained when institutions deliver tangible improvements in their daily lives.

He further underscored the importance of strengthening independent institutions, such as courts, parliaments, and electoral bodies, while safeguarding press freedom and civic space.

Source: Emma Ankrah

It is not surprising that organizations such as the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Reporters Without Borders (RSF), and the Committee for the Protection of Journalists (CPJ), among other press freedom advocates, have continually called for the repeal of the Criminal Offences Act of 1960 (Act 29) and the Electronic Communications Act (Act 775). These calls have intensified following the arrests of several journalists, including David Tamakloe and Noah Dameh, over the publication of false news.

This raises a significant question: Should these laws really be abolished? Particularly in an era where new media allows individuals to express their opinions from the comfort of their homes. While social media has enhanced citizen participation and given a voice to the voiceless, thus strengthening our democracy, it has also contributed to the rise of misinformation and disinformation. Recently, we witnessed the arrest of a presenter at Wontumi TV, Akyenkwaa Nana Kofi Asare, for falsely accusing His Excellency John Dramani Mahama of being involved in a helicopter crash that killed eight people, including two ministers.

Additionally, just this past Monday, September 8, the Ghana Police Service arrested the Bono Regional Chairman of the NPP, Kwame Baffoe, known as Abronye, for his media-related actions, which were charged as “offensive conduct conducive to the breach of peace.” Unfortunately, Ghanaian social media has become a platform for insults instead of being used to uplift ourselves, promote our businesses, and foster the development of our country.

As we advocate for media freedom free from censorship and intimidation, we must also recognize that all rights come with responsibilities. As John F. Kennedy rightly said, “Without debate, without criticism, no administration and no country can succeed, and no republic can survive.” However, when exercising our right to freedom of speech, we must do so constructively and respectfully, considering the impact on others. This way, we can exercise our rights without infringing upon the rights of others or violating the law.

In conclusion, I reiterate the words of Sampson Lardy Anyenini Esq., “Let your communication improve, not destroy our democracy.” By doing so, we can build a better Ghana for ourselves.

In a post on social media platform Threads on Friday, Sir Jonah praised the former president for resisting calls that could have allowed him to seek another term, describing Mahama’s leadership as embodying “the values of democracy and integrity.”

“Despite calls to amend the constitution for personal gain, he remains committed to upholding the rule of law and respecting the limits of his mandate. His humility, determination, and genuine commitment to leaving a lasting legacy are traits that set him apart as a leader,” Sir Jonah wrote.

He added that Mahama serves as “a role model for future African leaders” and that his dedication to constitutionalism is “a beacon of hope for our continent.”

The commendation follows President Mahama’s firm stance against proposals to alter Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, emphasizing his focus on governance and accountability within the bounds of the law.

Source: Kenneth Awotwe Darko

Speaking at the 13th High-Level Dialogue on Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance in Africa on Tuesday, July 29, Mahama stressed that inclusive governance is key to building legitimate and resilient states.

The dialogue, themed “Justice, Right, Reparation, and State Building,” brought together political leaders, civil society actors, and governance institutions to discuss practical solutions to the continent’s human rights and democratic challenges.

Mahama urged the forum to move beyond rhetoric and push for enforceable mechanisms across African Union member states to guarantee basic freedoms such as the right to protest, organise, and freely express dissent.

“I urge this dialogue to take a firm stand on the need for legally binding frameworks across all member states to safeguard our civic space. We must protect the freedom of the press. The voices of the youth, women, and marginalised groups must be heard and protected,” he stated.

“Democracy cannot thrive in the presence of fear and repression,” Mahama added. “The legitimacy of our governments depends on the inclusion of all our people—not just a privileged few.”

Source: AdomOnline

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Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah claimed the government is systematically undermining checks and balances in its bid to consolidate power.

“This government wants absolute control over all four major parts of our democracy. In Parliament, they are trying to dominate proceedings, even pushing for three majority MPs to speak before one from the minority. They also attempted to skew representation on the Pan-African Parliament report until we resisted,” he said.

He further alleged that the Executive arm is being politicized with mass dismissals.

Mr. Oppong Nkrumah also raised concerns about the Judiciary, referencing the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, which he described as “troubling.”

On press freedom, he warned that the media could be the next target.

“In the executive branch, we all know that when a new government comes to power, typically only CEOs are appointed. However, since the NDC took office, not only have CEOs been replaced, but directors and staff have also been removed. Almost 30,000 people have been sacked so far.

“The NDC is taking control of the executive branch. The situation is similar in the judiciary, where a chief justice has been suspended. If the media does not allow us to speak out, the NDC’s next target will be the media itself. Three journalists have already been arrested for allegedly making statements that do not align with government views,” he added.

He urged Ghanaians to remain vigilant to protect the country’s democratic institutions from what he described as creeping authoritarianism.

Source: Faridatu Seidu | Adomonline

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He made the remark during a candid conversation on JoyNews’ PM Express, following his thought-provoking lecture titled “Iniquities of Iniquity in Our Santa Claus Democracy.”

In his view, Ghana does not practice a homegrown democratic system but rather an imported template lacking the critical foundations that allow such systems to thrive elsewhere.

“We imported democracy without the foundations that made it work in the West,” Nsarkoh stated, drawing a clear distinction between form and substance.

“You don’t get a working democracy just because you put up ballot boxes and sing an anthem. If you haven’t built the underlying institutions, you’re playing a dangerous game.”

His argument is rooted in both historical context and political economy.

Unlike nations where modern democratic systems evolved after sustained industrialisation and capital accumulation, Ghana and much of Africa, he explained, attempted to graft democracy onto states still grappling with the hangover of colonialism and severe economic fragility.

“When modern European democracy took root, they were distributing wealth that had already been created. We didn’t have that. We started from under $3,000 per capita GDP. That’s a fundamentally different conversation,” he said.

Nsarkoh emphasised that democracy without a strong economic and institutional base degenerates into a transactional contest—what he termed “a public auction for the highest bidder.”

In such systems, he noted, the electorate is reduced to passive participants, voting every four years and then retreating into silence while elite groups trade power for personal gain.

He was especially critical of the idea that independence automatically conferred sovereignty.

“Kabral Blay-Amihere said it and got into a lot of trouble: what kind of independence do you really have if you don’t control your productive forces?” Nsarkoh asked.

“Having a dark-skinned president and a new anthem doesn’t mean you’ve achieved independence. You’re still navigating a distorted reality.”

Citing the work of political economist Claude Ake, Nsarkoh argued that African states did not emerge organically but were shaped by colonial disruptions, leaving behind weak and artificial structures.

“The post-colonial elite took over the facilities of the state and became the new colonialists. They looked after themselves,” he said. “That’s the deformity we’ve refused to confront.”

He lamented the collapse of local governance, describing it as symptomatic of a broader democratic decay.

“Look at the space we’re in—local government has essentially collapsed. Where is the citizen engagement? Where is the accountability?” Nsarkoh asked.

“We’ve built a system where people come to power not to serve, but to recover their campaign investments.”

At the heart of his message is a warning: Ghana’s democracy, if not radically rethought, risks becoming a hollow ritual.

“This Santa Claus democracy we’re practising is not sustainable,” he said.
“It feeds expectations but doesn’t deliver outcomes. It’s dangerous because it breeds disillusionment—and disillusionment is the seedbed of instability.”

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According to him, such actions pose a grave threat to Ghana’s democracy.

Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Aboagye expressed deep concern over the silence of Ghanaians, warning that a “dangerous precedent” is being set.

“I get the sense that the NDC has cast a spell on the country. I don’t understand why we’re not taking this matter seriously,” he said.

He noted that the fact that the Chief Justice felt compelled to address the media was a sign of desperation and a reflection of systemic failure.

“Her media engagement alone should tell us how serious this is. She’s gasping for air, crying for help, and sounding helpless—and we are all quiet.”

Justice Torkornoo, who was suspended in April 2025 by President John Mahama after the Council of State established a prima facie case against her, broke her silence on Wednesday, June 25.

She raised constitutional and procedural concerns about the petition for her removal, describing the process as politically motivated and unjust.

Miracles Aboagye echoed her sentiments, stressing that the issue extends beyond the individual and strikes at the heart of judicial independence.

“She made a very important point—it’s not about her, it’s about the process. If it succeeds with her, it can succeed with anyone. What then happens to the integrity of the judiciary?”

He questioned the government’s commitment to due process and urged Ghanaians to reflect on the broader implications.

“If this is allowed to happen, I don’t know if any law will be strong enough to safeguard the office of the Chief Justice in the future.”

Aboagye also criticized the posture of the Minister for Government Communications, claiming it contradicted the government’s narrative of adhering to due process.

“It felt more like a fight than a defense of the law,” he remarked.

“We would be doing great harm to our democracy if the NDC succeeds in removing the Chief Justice from office. This is not just about one person—it’s about protecting the soul of our justice system,” he added.

Watch the video below:

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Speaking at the opening of a three-day orientation programme for Members of the 9th Parliament in Ho on Saturday, Speaker Bagbin argued that the Executive and Judiciary should no longer overshadow the Legislature in terms of status, as modern democracies were evolving towards a more balanced approach.

The orientation programme, however, was boycotted by the Minority caucus, who cited the high cost of holding the training outside the parliamentary chamber.

Organized by the Parliamentary Service and the Parliamentary Training Institute (PTI), the programme aimed to equip legislators with the knowledge needed to effectively perform their legislative, oversight, investigative, and regulatory duties.

Speaker Bagbin stressed that the heartbeat of democracy lies within the legislature, which serves as the nerve center of the people. He urged MPs to seize the next four years as an opportunity to enhance their role and make Parliament more attractive than the other arms of government.

“The next four years offer a critical opportunity for transformation. MPs must rewrite a new story for themselves and live it,” he stated.

He further urged members to ensure their presence in the House was impactful, rather than merely passing through.

“Focus, serve, and sacrifice. Don’t allow political differences to enslave you or be enslaved by our history,” he admonished.

Speaker Bagbin also paid tribute to former MPs Dr. Ibn Chambas, Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, and Ms. Hanna Tetteh, who currently serve in international roles, highlighting their achievements as a testament to hard work and perseverance.

Clerk of Parliament Emphasizes MPs’ Responsibilities

Clerk of Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, reminded MPs of their critical roles, including law-making, oversight, budget control, conflict resolution, and representation. He emphasized that understanding parliamentary procedures and institutional frameworks was essential for effective service.

“The task ahead is daunting but not insurmountable. Balancing constituents’ expectations with formal parliamentary duties requires careful consideration,” he noted.

He assured MPs of the Speaker’s commitment to continuous training to enhance their legislative capacity, with the Parliamentary Service providing procedural, legal, technical, and administrative support.

“Parliament is a distinct institution with its own norms and rules. MPs must make continuous efforts to acquire knowledge and learn from experienced members to navigate the complexities of their work,” he added.

Majority Leader Highlights Importance of Training

Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga underscored the importance of the orientation programme in equipping MPs with the skills necessary to uphold Ghana’s democratic standards.

“For us to maintain our high standing and continue being a model for other nations, we must strengthen our competencies and parliament through the acquisition of relevant tools and their effective use,” he stated.

The training programme will cover topics such as the rights of majority and minority caucuses, conflict management, consensus building, the legislative process, private members’ bills, and budget scrutiny. MPs will also be trained in advocacy, lobbying, and negotiation strategies to enhance their effectiveness in parliamentary duties.

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According to Mr. Mireku, democracy is not a static achievement but an evolving system that requires continuous attention and participation from its citizens.

Speaking on the JoyNews AM Show, he pointed out that while politicians play a central role, it is ultimately the responsibility of the public to hold them accountable and ensure that their promises are kept once they take office.

He stressed that democracy is not a one-time event or something to be taken for granted. “Democracy needs constant affirmation,” he said. “The people must recognise the power they hold. By understanding this power, citizens can ensure that decisions made by their leaders reflect the will of the people, even if this means opposing the government.”

Mr. Mireku highlighted the vast influence citizens have within the democratic process, emphasising that a well-functioning democracy depends on an informed and engaged populace.

“Once people fully grasp how democracy works, they will rise to the occasion,” he stated. “It’s about understanding the process and becoming active participants in it. We need to educate ourselves, engage in democratic dialogue, and ensure our voices are heard.”

He further explained that democracy demands constant vigilance and participation, which is essential for real progress. “When we demand change, we must be ready to face the challenges that come with it,” he noted. “However, if we stay engaged and hold our leaders accountable, we will see genuine transformations in our lives—these are the dividends of a thriving democracy.”

Mr. Mireku also issued a stark warning about the consequences of disengagement. He cautioned that if citizens become complacent, Ghana, and indeed the entire African continent, could face a dangerous decline in democratic values and systems.

“If we neglect our democratic responsibilities, we risk witnessing democratic backsliding, a phenomenon already occurring in parts of the continent,” he said. “But if we remain vigilant, committed, and proactive in our democratic duties, we will experience the true benefits democracy has to offer.”

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Speaking in Nigeria on Monday, January 27, 2025, Bawumia reflected on the enduring value of democracy, acknowledging that while it may not be flawless, it offers the best framework for protecting fundamental freedoms.

He quoted Winston S. Churchill, who famously said, “Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others,” highlighting the pragmatic truth that, despite its flaws, democracy remains superior to other forms of governance.

Bawumia underscored the importance of democracy in ensuring the protection of individual rights and freedoms, noting that the process of self-governance, while imperfect, is preferable to any alternative.

He reiterated that the strength of democratic systems lies in their ability to safeguard freedoms while allowing for checks and balances.

“It’s not a perfect system, but it’s the best we’ve got,” Bawumia said, reinforcing the argument that democracy enables accountability and fosters the active participation of citizens in the political process.

In his address, Dr. Bawumia also referenced the findings of the 2023 Open Society Barometer report, which revealed that 92% of Nigerians believe it is important to live in a democratically governed country.

He pointed to the fact that 69% of Nigerians prefer democracy over other forms of governance, reinforcing his belief that democracy has firmly taken root in Nigeria.

“This should leave no doubt that democracy has been embraced by the Nigerian people,” Bawumia asserted, acknowledging the widespread commitment to democratic ideals in the country.

Dr. Bawumia further urged Nigerians to strengthen their democratic institutions and practices. He explained that while democracy in Nigeria may still face challenges, the desire for democratic governance among the population offers a solid foundation for future progress.

“Let us strengthen democracy, for it is through robust democratic systems that we can achieve greater prosperity and political stability,” he urged, calling on leaders and citizens alike to continue working toward a more inclusive and participatory democracy.

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Speaking at the commissioning of a new office complex for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration on Tuesday, December 17, the President highlighted how the successful elections reinforced Ghana’s democratic credentials.

“The peaceful conduct of the presidential and parliamentary elections on December 7, 2024, stands as a testament to the resilience of our democracy.

“The gracious concession by Vice President Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP presidential candidate, underscores that democracy remains the bedrock of our progress and national unity,” he said.

John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) reclaimed the presidency with 56.55% of valid votes, amounting to 6,328,397 votes, while his main contender, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), garnered 4,657,304 votes.

President Akufo-Addo expressed optimism that Ghana’s democratic legacy would endure, ensuring peace, stability, and progress for the nation.

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In a Facebook post on Wednesday, December 11, after meeting with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House in Accra, Mahama commended the successful electoral process and emphasized the need for bipartisan collaboration to further bolster Ghana’s democratic foundations.

“Democracy and Ghana are the ultimate winners in this electoral process. Despite the anxieties that many had ahead of the election and on voting day, Ghana has once again proven its commitment to democratic principles,” Mahama wrote.

He further expressed confidence in the nation’s democratic future, stating, “Our democracy is secure, and by working together across bipartisan lines, we can continue to deepen and strengthen it.”

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Speaking from Jubilee House in a stirring and reflective address delivered on the eve of Ghana’s 2024 general elections, the President emphasised the significance of the election as a continuation of Ghana’s democratic journey, describing it as a pivotal moment for the nation.

“Tomorrow, Saturday, 7th December, we head to the polls to elect a new President of the Republic and members of the ninth Parliament to steer the affairs of our nation,” he said.

Reflecting on his tenure as President and Ghana’s democratic evolution, Akufo-Addo expressed immense pride in the country’s achievements, highlighting the generational shift in attitudes toward elections, noting that younger Ghanaians now regard voting as a routine yet vital part of civic life.

“Democracy is not just the right to vote; it is the right to live in dignity,” the President stated, underscoring the broader significance of democratic governance. He added that Ghana’s consistent ability to hold peaceful elections has cemented its reputation as a beacon of stability on the African continent.

Quoting Thomas Jefferson, Akufo-Addo reminded citizens that “eternal vigilance is the price of liberty,” emphasising the need to continually protect and nurture the country’s democratic flame.

Trust in the Electoral Commission

As the nation prepares to vote, the President expressed confidence in the Electoral Commission’s ability to deliver a transparent and credible election. He lauded the institution as a cornerstone of Ghana’s democracy, urging all citizens to support its work.

“We have every reason to trust the Electoral Commission,” he affirmed. “It is an institution that has proven itself to be transparent, efficient, and capable of delivering free, fair, and credible elections.”

Akufo-Addo also noted the vibrant nature of Ghana’s campaign season, which he described as “colourful, loud, and spirited.” With the campaign period now over, he urged Ghanaians to reflect deeply and prepare to make informed decisions at the ballot box.

Acknowledging the role of security in safeguarding the electoral process, the President assured citizens that the necessary measures had been taken to maintain peace and order.

“The security agencies, led by the Ghana Police Service, have made the necessary deployments and preparations to ensure peace, law, and order before, during, and after the election,” he said. He called on the electorate to cooperate with security personnel and refrain from acts of violence or intimidation.

Quoting a timeless principle, he added, “Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means.”

President Akufo-Addo appealed to citizens to exercise their right to vote, describing it as both a civic duty and a moral responsibility.

“Go out, cast your ballot freely for your preferred candidate, and do so in an environment of peace and dignity,” he urged. “The ballot is stronger than the bullet, and through it, we can shape the future of our beloved nation.”

“Together, we can reaffirm Ghana’s place as a model democracy, an inspiration for Africa, and a source of pride for all her citizens. May God bless us all and continue to make Ghana great and strong.”

He called for patience in addressing the issue of vacant seats in Parliament, emphasizing that impatience would not be advisable in resolving the matter.

“There can be no democracy without patience, tolerance, discipline, collaboration, love for one another, and conscious building,” he said.

Mr. Bagbin made these remarks during a press engagement held in Parliament on Wednesday, 6th November 2024.

The ongoing case between the Speaker and the Supreme Court arose when the Speaker declared four seats vacant in the chamber following the intention of the Members representing those seats to contest the upcoming elections on tickets other than the ones that brought them to Parliament.

For the past few weeks, Parliament has continued to conduct business and is expected to resume on Thursday. This situation has raised concerns about the state of the country’s democracy.

The case, which is currently before the Supreme Court, has been heavily criticized, particularly after the Chief Justice of the Republic, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, appeared dissatisfied during proceedings last week.

For Alban Bagbin, Parliament is not dissolved but is “alive and working.”

He explained that the “plenary sittings and meetings of Parliament were adjourned indefinitely due to a lack of quorum to make decisions.”

He added that the current state of Parliament “has to be resolved with time and the engagement of many more leaders than those in Parliament.”

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Addressing the Men’s Fellowship of Ridge Church in Accra, Dr. Afari-Gyan pointed out that while elections are crucial, they must be followed by good governance to truly advance democratic ideals.

In his speech, titled Elections, Governance, and Democracy, Dr. Afari-Gyan described democracy as a place where civil liberties, political rights, and socio-economic well-being are promoted.

He emphasised that good governance requires the participation of all institutions, including the three branches of government—the legislature, executive, and judiciary—as well as civil society organisations and the media.

“Good governance defies a clear-cut definition, but it can be recognized by its respect for civil liberties, responsiveness to the needs of the people, control of corruption, and promotion of socio-economic well-being,” he said.

Dr. Afari-Gyan called for the media and civil society to act as watchdogs, exposing corruption and holding public officials accountable.

However, he also acknowledged the challenges of holding non-elected officials, such as judges and members of the Electoral Commission, accountable, calling it a “problematic” area in democratic governance.

Nonetheless, he urged voters to use elections to hold their leaders accountable for their performance in delivering the benefits of democracy.

Dr. Afari-Gyan concluded by reminding the audience that democracy is not a fixed station but an evolving journey aimed at improving the human condition.

He called for patience and persistence, stating, “Given a choice, I believe that people will prefer to live in a democracy than under any form of authoritarian rule.”

The event at Ridge Church provided a platform for Dr. Afari-Gyan to reflect on his decades of experience in Ghana’s electoral system and his vision for the future of governance and democracy in the country.

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Speaking at the 2023 GJA Media Awards held at the Accra International Conference Centre on September 28, the President commended the resilience, courage, and dedication of Ghanaian journalists, underscoring their essential role in a democratic society.

He recognised their contributions to the media landscape, highlighting the challenges they often face in their pursuit of truth.

Reaffirming his belief in the importance of a free press, President Akufo-Addo stressed that it is crucial for democracy, especially as the nation approaches the 2024 elections.

He urged the media to uphold its responsibilities as a beacon of truth and fairness, ensuring that the public is informed and engaged.

“The Ghanaian media has shown time and time again that it is resilient, innovative and committed largely to the truth… It is deeply troubling when journalists are subject to threats, intimidation or violence simply for doing their jobs.”

“No democracy can function properly when journalists are under siege. My government remains committed to ensuring that every journalist in Ghana can work without fear. Those who attack the media, attack democracy itself and such actions should not and cannot be tolerated,” he stated.

Source: Ernest K. Arhinful

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“It is a fight that if it succeeds will bring progress and prosperity to the continent, and that has to be our goal,” he advised.

In an interaction with the leadership of the Democrat Union of Africa (DUA) at the Jubilee House in Accra, the President stressed that military interventions and regimes were not the solution to the continent’s challenges.

The Union is convinced that the continent can only reach its full potential if it embraces the ideals of true democracy and promotes and defends human rights.

It believes in the free market and individual self-initiatives as critical to the growth of African economies, with a focus on developing inclusive societies where justice prevails, voices are heard, and opportunities flourish.

The President expressed concern about the incidence of military coups, terrorism, and violent extremism in the subregion, citing the ouster of legitimately elected governments in Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

“Today, there is a very real danger that the West African economic bloc, ECOWAS, will now be a fractured organisation for the next decade or so if things are not properly handled.

“And the end result is going to be a continuing upheaval that we are witnessing here in West Africa,” he noted.

The United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), presenting the Secretary-General’s latest report, called attention to millions of children in the region who lack access to education because many schools had been closed due to instability.

“Non-state groups are fighting among themselves for supremacy, pushing States to the margin and causing untold misery to millions of people who had to leave their communities to seek safety,” the Office noted.

Expressing worries over the widespread insecurity in the Sahel, UNOWAS underscored the need for adequate, predictable, and sustainable funding for regional security initiatives.

The Lake Chad Basin and Central Sahel have emerged as epicentres and incubators of terrorism and violent extremism, as the UN works frantically to combat misinformation, promote inter-communal dialogue, and actively engage in deradicalization and reintegration.

Scores of democratic advocates and security experts are concerned about the region’s democratic backsliding, condemning all coups and attempted coups, and calling for the restoration of constitutional order in the affected countries.

“We are going through extremely challenging times in West Africa,” said President Nana Akufo-Addo.

“ECOWAS, some years ago, considered an oasis of democratic engagement, is today challenged by the spread of military insurrections that have taken place,” he said.

The President lauded DUA for promoting democratic engagements to foster the rule of law on the continent.

He welcomed the mission to create an inclusive society where every voice was valued since it was the path to shaping a future of unlimited opportunity for all Africans.

Ms. Louisa Atta-Agyemang, the Co-Chairperson of DUA, commended Ghana for upholding democratic principles, and the President for being an avowed advocate of human rights.

He pointed out that even in America, there is significant disenchantment with the political system and many issues affecting the average citizen.

Mr. Paintsil stated that despite Ghana’s system not being perfect, democratic governance remains the better option.

A new Afrobarometer report has revealed growing dissatisfaction among Africa’s youth. The findings indicate that young people frequently marginalised in governance decision-making, are seeing increased agitation.

Speaking on the JoyNews AM show, he said, “But that is life. The whole of life is trying to make it better, and I do not say that we have the best conditions in Ghana, but I am telling you that I have lived under a revolution.

“I know what it is to live under a revolution where you cannot have your voice heard. Where the military rulers pretend or claim they are making a heaven for you on earth, yet you do not have a voice, and so forth and so on.”.

The lawyer acknowledged that while people may be disenchanted with the economy, politics, and various aspects of life in the country, Ghanaians can still make progress through ongoing political struggles.

Mr. Paintsil also noted that in Europe, leadership is often held by young individuals in their thirties and forties, whereas American democracy allows for leaders like Trump and Biden, who are significantly older.

“Now, in Ghana, we have a very funny situation where, look at our president’s age. The youth do not really have a proper role in politics. I admit that “

“I am reading positive things. The idea that they are going to opt out of ECOWAS and then come up with their own currency is positive. For instance, in the subregion, if they all did not use one currency, and how many years has ECOWAS been on ECO and all of that?

“You can see them taking very important steps. People who stole money in the past being asked to return the money. If military can offer that, if military can say Cecilia Dapaah bring back our money, I am sure 100 percent of Ghanaians would be excited to hear that.”

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Indian and Chinese democracies may be flawed, and illiberal, but they are quite decisive and have made some progress economically.

We often think the gold standard of democracy is Western democracy, free and fair elections, welfare state, etc.

Even countries in Europe such as Germany, France, and Switzerland have their forms of democracy, which are different from Anglo-American democracy, which is practiced in the UK and USA.

But, all these countries have evolved their forms of democracy based on their cultures.

In Ghana, we often picture the democracy in the USA or the UK as the paragon or ideal of democracy.

Clearly, democracy is a process and method of leadership selection; it is not a form of government as was alluded to by Parag Khana a global expert on globalization [some will argue that it is indeed a form of government].

He makes the case that the forms of government are vastly diverse across the different forms of democracy (multiparty, parliamentary system, presidential republic, etc.).

The phrase: “democracies are” might not be the right word. Since there is no one standard definition of the best form of democracy.

While some democracies are doing well, others are failing. The question we in Ghana should be asking is: What is the right model of democracy that will fit our cultural construct?

We adopted a Constitution which was a mixture of British and American systems. We never made provision for the codification of our customary laws in our constitution.

This, I believe, should have been done by the National House of Chiefs. This was an argument that was echoed by the Late Justice VCRAC Crabbe, which I strongly concur.

Ghana is a stable, democratic country with a history of successful political transitions, a free press, an active civil society, and an independent judiciary.

Ghana has held eight free and fair elections since 1992 and continues to address challenges—such as corruption, poor governance and natural resource management, conflict, and weak accountability systems in the public sector—to become a self-reliant, resilient democracy.

Trust in the Electoral Commission (EC), courts, and police has plummeted to unprecedented lows, according to the latest Afrobarometer survey in 2024.

The data, collected from 1999 to 2022, reveals a concerning decline in public confidence in these crucial institutions.

The EC, which once enjoyed a trust level of 75% in 2005, now commands the trust of only 33% of Ghanaians. This marks a sharp drop from its initial 63% trust rating in 1999.

The courts have similarly seen a significant erosion of public trust. In 2005, 62% of respondents expressed confidence in the judicial system.

However, this figure has steadily declined, hitting a new low of 36% in 2022.

The Police force, often seen as the frontline of law enforcement, has also not been spared.

Trust in the Police peaked at 64% in 2005 but has since fallen to a mere 28% in 2022, reflecting growing public dissatisfaction.

These figures, sourced from Afrobarometer Data [Ghana], highlight a troubling trend of diminishing confidence in institutions critical to the democratic process and the rule of law.

The Cambridge dictionary defines a coup d’état as a sudden defeat of a government through illegal force by a small group, often a military one.

Ghana experienced five coups during the 1960s and 1970s, before military leader Jerry Rawlings overthrew Hilla Limann in 1981, ushering in Ghana’s Fourth Republic.

Since 1992, there have been no reports of attempted coups. The Fourth Republic has been spared with no coup d’états so far.

A Frenchman Ernest Renan defines a nation as a soul, a spiritual principle. Two things, which properly speaking, are really one and the same constitute this soul, this spiritual principle.

One is the past, the other is the present. One is the possession in common of a rich legacy of memories; the other is present consent, the desire to live together, the desire to continue to invest in the heritage that we have jointly received.

A nation, like the individual, is the outcome of a long past of efforts, sacrifices, and devotions.

Based on Ernest Renan’s definition, a nation has no ethnic purpose. These are people who have the will to live together.

Summarized by a famous phrase: “having done great things together and wishing to do more” he believed nations are not eternal they have a beginning and an end.

[repetition] We in Ghana are an amalgam of different ethnic groups. There should be a conscious attempt to bring these groups together to reduce acts of nepotism and ethnocentrism.

However, our actions seem to point to some bias in ethnocentrism. Even in our voting points, and our appointments in public positions, among others, there are always perceived biases based on ethnicity that are raised by the citizenry on a continual basis.

After independence, we have tried many things to have national unity, but still, we see people seeing themselves first from a tribe or ethnicity before a nation in Ghana.

In most parts of Africa, including Ghana, I am not really sure of our definition of “nation.” In principle, we aspire to live together as different ethnic groups; however, in practice, we see daily complaints of ethnic discrimination in various spheres of our lives.

It is about time, as a nation, we agreed on the conceptual definition of being a Ghanaian.

You see tribal clubs on our university campuses, even Ghanaians in the diaspora are more used to their tribal groupings than any Ghana society.

Most people feel more comfortable with their tribal groupings. This clearly points to the fact that we still have a lot to do to really become a soul as defined by Ernest Renan.

Once I visited a queenmother in Ghana with a political leader who hails from that part of Ghana, and she said: Hon now that you have a position it is “Kokofu ball”, every opportunity you get while there, bring it to your people in this town.

This clearly implies any good opportunity that comes his way he should not forget his people.

This is how they will measure him as having been a successful politician. How can we, with such attitudes, deal with corruption?

Our very culture promotes nepotism. Once you are a Ghanaian and have any public appointment, the nation’s development should be your main focus.

Ideally, in a democracy, there should be critical voices in the country that comment on national issues regardless of the political party in power.

In Ghana with our 2 main political parties, we find, to a large extent, individuals who find their voices when one political party is in power and stop talking when the other party is in power.

This, to a large extent, has led to a credibility deficit and most of them have lost their reputation among the citizenry. The lack of neutral voices has led to a gap in our governance.

Ghana, like every other nation-state, is governed by the rule of law. As was said by the renowned Chinese thinker Confucius: “If people are governed by virtue and rules of propriety are used to maintain order, they will have a sense of shame and will become good as well.”

It is not surprising that governance of the world in the early days had a spiritual element. This came with a sense of shame for individuals who flouted the commandments of God.

Within our traditional systems in Ghana, we had a sense of shame. Now it is about getting lawyers to defend you and outwitting the system; what we term “smart”.

Honour and integrity are becoming obsolete terms. Now smartness in contemporary times is defined as being able to outwit the laws and take advantage of the loopholes.

Companies and Governments globally hire the best lawyers who understand the system so well and can outwit it.

These are the ones who get ahead. We have placed a lot of emphasis on the lawyer”.  Clearly, laws are not enough; we need culture, systems, and incentivized mechanisms.

When Captain Maclean became governor of the Gold Coast between 1831 and 1843, there was relative peace.

He was able to govern the Gold Coast with just 120 men all natives of the Gold Coast. Hitherto most governors had larger armies to defend them.

He adjudicated cases all over the country with some British concepts mixed with Akan tradition and people went out of their way to bring their cases before him to adjudicate.

There was a perception all over the place that he was just and fair. Even in instances where some chiefs were not comfortable with his judgments and wanted to make war, all the other tribes will support Captain Maclean to win the fight and peace will be finally restored.

There was a relative increase in trade and peace during his tenure.

Captain Maclean governed, mixing Akan and British concepts, and he was respected by all as fair.

However, we developed a constitution that was a blend of American and French constitutions in 1992.

Most of the African states wrote their constitutions after independence. At that moment, most African nationals saw their freedom fighters as liberators from colonial rule.

They envisaged them as Messiahs and wanted them to have maximum power to further protect them.

Their emotional fear was for them to protect them from the white man. Hence, they wanted a powerful state to defend them against neo-colonialists.

Corruption, with time, became a big issue in Africa. Because of this gap, most of the cases adjudicated in our courts do not sit well with our traditional values and increasingly lead to a lot of tensions.

We see it in the length of time taken to handle cases in our courts. The clear lesson here: you cannot govern a group of people when you do not have their interest at heart, and laws that do not reflect the traditional practices of people also tend to be problematic.

The current governance challenges in Ghana and most parts of Africa also have to do with the mistrust of Government by the people. There is a lack of honesty and integrity.

In fact, in most instances being honest will make it difficult for you to thrive, being dishonest will make you survive.

This is not the democracy we want to develop. The fundamentals of democracy are honour and trust. This is what I will term Democracy 101.

When these basics of democracy are lacking in a country, that to me is a coup d’état.

It is about time we re-examine the definition of coup d’état. The old understanding based on military men disrupting a democratic system ought to be revisited.

Once there is a lack of integrity and honour, lack of accountability, fair procedures, and systems, we already have coup d’états.

This implies that in critical institutions, such as the judiciary and public institutions, the process of appointment should be transparent, and the individuals should have unquestionable character. Any flaws in these appointments amount to a coup d’état.

The tools for governance are soul, reciprocal confidence, trust, and shared dreams. Once trust is diminished, the rule of law is weakened, and citizens’ perception of corruption is high, that is a breakdown of the democracy, which, to me, constitutes a coup d’état.

It is about time we reexamined the definition of a coup d’état. Do we stick to our dictionary definition of coup d’état or we revisit the definition?

The writer is a Public Health Physician Specialist at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and lectures in health policy and health systems at the University of Ghana Medical School.

Emphasising the need to consolidate Ghana’s democratic achievements, the Vice President highlighted the crucial role of the police in this process.

Speaking at an event at the Police CID Headquarters, Dr. Bawumia stressed the significant responsibility the police hold in maintaining peace during the election.

He underscored that, the Police Service is indispensable to the functioning of democracy in the country.

Dr. Bawumia affirmed that without the effective role of the police, Ghana’s democratic framework would be compromised.

He urged the police to uphold their duty to protect and preserve the integrity of the electoral process, ensuring a peaceful and fair election.

“The ‘Snatch Them Young’ policing initiative, which focuses on school children amongst several other initiatives, has ensured a more responsive, accountable, and operationally effective policing institution.

“I would like to urge you to continue to do more, especially as the nation prepares to go into general elections come December 7,” Dr. Bawumia urged.

The President insists that, Ghanaians must also not take for granted the democratic growth Ghana has witnessed since 1993 when the fourth republic was birthed.

Speaking during a meeting with the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin who presented the commemorative trophy to him, President Akufo-Addo said we must work together to strengthen the country’s democracy.

He further commended the Parliament of Ghana for launching the “Democracy Cup” competition as part of the celebrations marking 30 years of Parliamentary Democracy in Ghana.

“I am excited about this special and excellent initiative because it will deepen and entrench the culture of democracy in our country,” the President said.

“I fully support this initiative and pledge my ongoing support for its continuation and I hope it will remain a fixture for years to come.

“A football match to celebrate 30 years of parliamentary democracy will provide an opportunity to bring the youth closer to the workings of Parliament and instill in them the principles of democracy,” he added.

Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, used the platform to appeal to the Ghanaian populace to prioritize peace ahead of the 2024 election.

“The objective of the Democracy Cup is to leverage sports, particularly football, as a platform to involve our teeming youth in the 30th anniversary celebration and to get them to understand what this whole democracy is about.

“We want to use the opportunity to preach peace, and unity among the youth as the nation heads towards the election in December,” he added.

Meanwhile, Accra Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko are set to face off in the inaugural Democracy Cup match at the Accra Sports Stadium on Wednesday, July 17th.

There would also be a special curtain raiser between ex-Black Stars players and Members of Parliament.

Attendees at the event included Chief of Staff Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, Secretary to the President Nana Bediatuo Asante, Clerk to Parliament Cyril Kwabena Oteng Nsiah, Deputy Clerk Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, Deputy Majority Leader Patricia Appiagyei, Minority Chief Whip Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe-Ghansah, Coordinating Director of the Public Affairs Subdivision Madam Kate Addo, Mr. David Damoah, Director of Media Relations and other top officials from both the Presidency and Parliament.

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Former United Nations (UN) Senior Governance Advisor, Prof Baffour Agyeman-Duah, has said Ghana has consistently achieved peaceful transitions of government over the past 30 years.

However, he emphasised that the critical focus should not just be on election periods but on the continuous efforts toward national development between elections.

This follows the former National Security Minister, Francis Poku’s concerns about the growing distrust in Ghana’s democratic governance.

Speaking at a Republic Day lecture at the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFSC), Mr Poku highlighted that many people are losing faith in democracy, viewing military rule as a better alternative.

Speaking on the JoyNews AM show, Prof Agyeman-Duah said, “In between elections, what happens in terms of focusing on our development as a people? So, the issue of human development, if you bring in those threats that Mr Poku raised and the behaviour of politicians or leadership, if you put all that together, then you have to question: What is it that we are doing?”.

And I understand when the foreign commentators praise Ghana for our democracy and our progress, I can understand that because for them, once there is no coup and we are having elections; that is all, but for developing countries like Ghana and Africa, that should not be the end of the road”.

The former United Nations Senior Governance Advisor criticised foreign entities for lacking objectivity due to their detachment from the actual situation on the ground.

He pointed out that institutions like the World Bank, IMF, or economists often cite statistics such as a 4.5% growth rate to gauge a nation’s performance but argued that such figures do not necessarily translate into improvements in the daily lives and incomes of ordinary citizens.

“So, there must be a distinction in terms of people’s reality of life versus these measurements that we do. The measurements are important. I think it is important for us to know statistically how we are doing, but that cannot be the focus. That cannot be the complete measurement of our doing well” he said.

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According to him, the duration of a country’s practice of democracy is irrelevant if its leaders are not honest and willing to tell the truth to the citizens.

He said without such integrity, the will of the people would be subverted, thereby undermining democracy.

“You can have the best constitution and the best regulation and laws, if an unscrupulous leader decides to take advantage of the situation, the person will do so. And if he does and we don’t have the population to push and hold him back, then he will get away with it,” Mr Mahama added.

The former President was delivering a public lecture on the theme: Sustainability of democracy in Africa: The Ghanaian experience,” in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, last Wednesday. It was organised by the Christian Service University as part of activities marking its golden jubilee celebrations.

Occurrence

Citing the US as an example, Mr Mahama said although that country had practised democracy for more than two centuries, former President Donald Trump was able to incite some people to take over their Legislative House at Capitol Hill when he lost the elections in 2020.

He said if such an occurrence could succeed in happening in a mature democracy such as the US, similar incidences could take place anywhere else, especially if a country did not have a dedicated leader who had the nation at heart.

Mr Mahama further said leadership, such as the Office of the President “are weighty and must be approached with utmost seriousness”. “Ghanaians are in dire straits and this is not the time for comedy or concert party,” he said.

Elections

On the December 7 general election, the former President said that following experiences learnt from the last elections in 2020, the NDC was going into the upcoming poll with its own referee by remaining vigilant to ensure every vote cast for the party was accounted for.

“We will enter the ring with our own referee by taking advantage of every instrument we are afforded to make sure that the vote you cast for me is protected and counted,” he said.

Mr Mahama explained that the reason the NDC always accused the current Electoral Commission (EC) of being in bed with the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) government was due to its disposition that had consistently shown that it could not be trusted.

“Indeed, it is also a fact that this government concocted reasons to remove the plain Electoral Commissioners and replaced them with people of their choice,” he alleged.

Mr Mahama further said that although the President has the power to appoint members of the commission, such members should not be people with known political affiliations.

He, however, claimed that the current commission has some members who are tainted with political colours with one of them allegedly being a patron of a youth wing of the NPP – Tertiary Students Confederacy (TESCON).

“This commission has shown that it cannot be neutral. A commissioner has said that the NDC is a serious existential threat to Ghana’s democracy, and he is still there. How do you expect such a person to conduct a free and fair election?” he asked.

Mr Mahama said the NDC was not expecting the EC to rig the elections in their favour, but was only calling for fairness to ensure that the will of the people was respected.

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“This belief has driven me into my active involvement in democratic pursuits and governance in various capacities for over three decades from the grassroots to the highest office of the land,” he said at a public lecture at the Christian Service University (CSU) in Kumasi.

The lecture, which was on the theme, “Sustainability of Democracy in Africa: The Ghanaian Experience” formed part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of CSU, which coincidentally received a Presidential Charter to become a full-fledged university this year.

Founded in 1974, the University has consistently upheld its mission to provide quality education grounded in Christian values over the years.

The former President, who was the guest speaker for the public lecture, said Ghana had come a long way after suffering several military takeovers since independence with the current republic being the longest sustained period of democratic governance in the history of Ghana.

He said many young Ghanaians saw democratic governance in Ghana as routine and therefore took it for granted because they were born into democracy.

According to him, some military governments made strides towards improving the country’s fortunes but overall, the experience under military regimes was clearly unpleasant.

“We have learnt that democracy is a better system of governance than unconstitutional and military rule.

And yet amid the current excruciating economic crisis, there have sometimes been loud expressions of desire by a frustrated section of our citizens for a return to military rule,” the former President submitted.

That some citizens, especially the younger ones yearning for a return to military rule, he said, was concerning but not surprising.

He said such calls, especially after all the gains made in entrenching democratic culture, called for a re-evaluation of what had gone wrong, adding that, an honest retrospection revealed that many felt that they had not benefited from or taken part in the democratic dividends.

“They do not see that democratic governance has met their aspirations and expectations nor do they feel that they are properly represented in decision-making,” he noted.

Former President Mahama, who is also the flagbearer of the NDC in the December 2024 elections, said Ghana’s acceptance of democracy was very strong within a sub-region that was prone to volatility and conflicts, saying that, the democratic consolidation in Africa had suffered setbacks with a disturbing relapse into the era of coup d’états.

By the mid-80s to the 1990s many African countries had begun to shift back towards democratic governance after military rule had often worsened the circumstances they were supposed to correct, Mr Mahama pointed out.

He indicated that Ghana had recorded some of the highest growth rates in the world in the last 30 years, but this democratic transition appears to have landed Ghana into a false sense of security and accomplishment.

“Economic mismanagement, corruption, and a host of other governance issues have returned, diminishing the hopes that many citizens have in government and state institutions,” he stated.

Professor Samuel Afrane, Vice Chancellor of CSU, said the university as part of its 50th anniversary thought it wise to organise two public lectures and invite the presidential candidates of the two major political parties to share their thoughts on the topic ahead of the December general elections.

“The objective of this university for this public lecture is to partner with all the political giants of this nation to conceptualise new ways of sustaining the democracy practised in Ghana and for that matter the whole of Africa,” the Vice Chancellor explained.

He said politicians in the country had divergent opinions on the sustainability of democracy, and as a university, they appreciated their role as a convergence point of diversity, talent and innovation.

It was for that reason that the University invited the former President to share his views on the topic to help the youth to appreciate the new ways to sustain the democracy being enjoyed in the country.

“It is my sincere hope that at the end of this lecture, all participants here and the nation at large will have developed an interest in the new ways of sustaining our democracy and how we can offer our talents, skills and energies to ensure the consolidation of our democracy as a shining example in the rest of the African Continent,” Prof Afrane observed.

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Ms Botchwey, a candidate for the position of Secretary-General of the 56-member Commonwealth of Nations, was speaking last Thursday at a lecture at the University of Buckingham in the United Kingdom, titled: “Realising the Democratic Dividend: A Commonwealth Imperative”.

She said safeguarding democracy required international co-operation for transformative change in economic, environmental and social dimensions. Ms Botchwey is a lawyer and former Chair of the Council of Ministers of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a region buffeted by political instability in recent years.

“In an increasingly interdependent world, collaboration among countries is essential for everyone. The climate crisis, in particular, has shown that collective action is needed if we are to address the challenges of the global commons effectively,” she said.

Global economy

The world must “lay the foundations for a robust and equitable global economy not just in fine words but in reality,” she told her audience of students, academics, diplomats and civil society activists, some of whom joined an online audience.

She pointed out that many developing countries, particularly Small States and Small Developing Island States, operated at the periphery of the global economy, relying on just a few raw agricultural export products and tourism.

Ms Botchwey, a former Deputy Trade Minister, said their heavy debt burden had become a hindrance to galvanising adequate investment to achieve robust economic growth and sustainable development. In 2023, their share of foreign direct investment had dropped by 10 per cent when the reverse was what was desired.

She recommended that industrialised countries provided more resources to international financial institutions to enable the Commonwealth and other developing countries to access resources to respond effectively to the climate challenge.

She emphasised the need for a more nuanced understanding of the current challenges, acknowledging both the shortcomings of existing democratic models and the importance of safeguarding democratic principles.

She said this at a roundtable discussion aimed at fostering collaboration among Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in West Africa to strengthen democracy and good governance in the region.

“In today’s democracy, marked by shifting geopolitical dynamics and a weaker ECOWAS, we must address challenges such as the resurgence of coup d’état threats in the region. This roundtable provides a vital platform for CSOs to share insights and collaborate on collective solutions, drawing from experiences in affected countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

“Furthermore, the evolving landscape sees new voices within CSOs, including individuals acting as institutions, necessitating adaptive strategies to confront issues worsened by technology and insecurity”, she said.

ChiChi Aniagolu-Okoye, the Regional Director for Ford Foundation West Africa, echoed Nana Afadzinu’s concerns and commended the role of CSOs in promoting democratic ideals.

She stated the need for self-reflection within the CSO community and urged a renewed commitment to advocating for citizen-centred democracy that delivers tangible benefits to the people.

”To safeguard against future military interventions, it’s important for CSOs to engage in shaping democratic governance that serves the people. By identifying systemic failures and working towards civilian-led solutions, we can ensure a future where democracy benefits everyone.

“This necessitates open dialogue and honest conversations to address existing challenges and restore ECOWAS’s commitment to democratic principles”, she mentioned.

For her part, Martin Abregu, Vice President of International Programs at the Ford Foundation, said, “Participants should embrace humility and adaptability in navigating the complexities of the current political landscape.

“We must look at the importance of rethinking transnational solidarity and international cooperation in the face of evolving global dynamics”.

The civil society organizations who spoke at the event argued that democracy was declining in West Africa because people want good governance regardless of what form it comes in, including military rule and civilian governments are not providing good governance.

They blamed worsening economic conditions, authoritarian civilian governments, imperialism, manipulation of election results, corruption and weak judiciaries for citizens tilting towards a preference for military rule.

However, the participants also highlighted key priorities for advancing democracy in West Africa. Learning from success stories like Senegal’s recent transition, they emphasised the importance of boosting public engagement through innovative channels such as social media.

Strengthening democratic institutions, including the media and judiciary, alongside the need to reform electoral processes for greater inclusivity and credibility.

Additionally, fostering collaboration among civil society organisations, involving new stakeholders like the private sector and diaspora, was emphasized. Participants also underscored the imperative of countering external influence on democratic processes, advocating for African-driven solutions.

The Civil Society Roundtable Discussion, co-convened by the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WASCI) and Ford Foundation is expected to stimulate continued dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders committed to advancing democracy and governance in West Africa, amid ongoing political transitions and emerging threats as well as inform future efforts to promote inclusive and resilient democracies across the continent.

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As the nation gears up for the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections on December 7, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has issued a rallying cry for vigilance to protect the democratic process.

Marking the culmination of his 25th anniversary since becoming the 16th occupant of the Golden Stool, he emphasized the crucial role of maintaining a stable environment.

The Asantehene stated that such a peaceful environment empowers citizens to make informed decisions for the betterment of the nation.

In his address on Sunday, May 12, he underscored the significance of safeguarding democracy amidst the political fervor that accompanies election campaigns.

“This year is another election year. Our political leaders are already on a campaign trail and intend many months of combating campaigning ahead.

“After all our past experiences, we should make sure that our democracy is saved,” he stated.

He added, “Nonetheless, we need to know that we cannot take things for granted. We must be alert to avoid anything that will derail the electoral process.

“People need the right environment where they can make informed choices in the interest of the nation,” he stated.

He urged the populace to remain vigilant and prevent any actions that could undermine the integrity of the electoral process.

She highlighted that, such acts of violence endangered the lives and livelihoods of media professionals and undermined the foundations of democratic values.

To address these challenges, Ms Abubakar mentioned that, the Information Ministry had proactively implemented a Coordinated Mechanism on Safety for Journalists (CMSJ) and launched a Media Capacity Enhancement Programme (MCEP).

These initiatives aim to enhance the safety and capacity of journalists in Ghana.

Ms Abubakar made these remarks during the World Press Freedom Day celebrations held in Koforidua, in the Eastern Region.

Her statements underscored the government’s commitment to protecting press freedom and upholding democratic principles in Ghana.

She noted that the two distinct programmes rolled out by the Ministry aimed to equip journalists with the skills and resources they required to navigate the increasingly complex landscape of modern journalism, while ensuring their safety and security.

“The programmes have already yielded positive outcomes and results and to date, we have provided comprehensive training to over 140 journalists from different media houses nationwide,” she said.

According to her, the training sessions had equipped journalists with the skills, knowledge, and expertise to excel in their profession, stressing that the Ministry was committed to broadening the scope of the programmes to reach all journalists.

In addition, she said the draft Broadcasting Bill had been finalized and the Ministry was working assiduously with the committee members in parliament to ensure its timely laying before the August House.

The purpose of the Bill is to provide comprehensive legislation on broadcasting services regulated by the National Media Commission and the National Communications Authority in a manner consistent with the Constitution.

It also seeks to regulate and sanitise the broadcasting space in Ghana.

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According to him, some West African countries have experienced coups because leaders turned a blind eye to calls for solutions to address these problems.

Speaking on JoyNews AM Show on May 2, he said coup perpetrators have hinted that certain factors motivated them to usurp power and change the status quo.

“Coup leaders cite five issues consistently as causing the coup. The first is economic hardship. You see why I am talking about the economy a lot and the debt crisis and the outward oriented economies.

“If you don’t solve those economic hardships coups are going to happen.  Democracy is going to reverse. We are going to live under repressive regimes,” he said.

Prof Atuguba said another factor for the occurrence of coups is the phenomenon of sit-tightism. He stated that leaders feel a sense of entitlement and refuse to give up their seat, treating it as a family possession.

“Sit-tightism is now recognised as a word where a leader sits tied on the seat and refuses to go. That is where Togo comes in. In other words, the situation in Togo is one of the things that ignites coups,”  he said.

Another factor he mentioned was the closing of democratic spaces.

He explained that in countries like Ghana, Mali, or Burkina Faso, certain actions of democratic governments can close democratic spaces and sometimes force people to react.

He also added that corruption and violent extremism are additional factors that play a role in these issues.

He therefore called for measures to be adopted to address these threats.

“So we need to focus on these five issues. If we want to end the phenomenon of coups. We can’t wish it way. We can’t deal with the five issues by shouting good governance all around the country.

“We have to get to work and address it. The saddest part of it is the evidence appears to be that when a country goes into undemocratic rule or military regime, under a military regime they appear to be doing better economically,” he argued.

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Ghana’s elections have generated much international and national interest, mainly after gaining the accolade of being the gateway to Africa. Elections have become a significant event in the Ghanaian democratic calendar and directly relate to the essence of geopolitics in West Africa. With elections and new government policies and agenda comes new iterations of geopolitical positioning, whether in the purview of the US, China, Russia, France, the UK, or Germany and the EU. Thus, elections today in Ghana are not just the exclusive concern of Ghanaians but also the ECOWAS region. In essence, the pacesetter role of Ghana has been upheld since the toppling of colonization in the 1950s. In this regard, the 4^th Republican constitution of the Republic of seen elections from 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020, with an impending one in December 2024. The international implications of these elections cannot be overstated, as they will shape Ghana’s future and significantly impact global geopolitics.

Given the global interest in Ghana’s elections, the international community and the African continent will closely monitor the proceedings. However, several pressing concerns need to be addressed. These include the activities of vigilante groups, which pose a threat to the democratic process; the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in critical regions, which could escalate into violence; the frustration of the large population of unemployed youth who constitute a significant portion of voters, which could lead to social unrest; and the recurring issue of potential electoral violence in the country’s presidential and parliamentary elections, which could undermine the credibility of the democratic process. These challenges highlight the need for immediate action to safeguard Ghana’s democracy and ensure a peaceful and fair election in 2024.

For example, several human lives were lost during the elections in 2020, when results were collated. During the 2020 elections, it was also reported that about 15 different electorates sustained various degrees of injuries from sporadic shootings on Election Day in areas such as Techiman, Odorkor, Ablekuma, and Tamale. This phenomenon is becoming worrying and could derail the peace and security of the country. These incidents have garnered global attention, leading to interest and expectations about the role of stakeholders in safeguarding peace and security in the upcoming presidential and parliamentary general elections due on December 7, 2024.

Further, the rapid advancement of digital technology and the widespread usage of social media platforms all over the country present an opportunity and, at the same time, threats to peace and security. Some of these threats include mis/disinformation, hate speech, sensational media reporting, mistrust in electoral processes and stakeholders, activities of political party vigilante groups, and false declaration of results by political party heads, among others. These threats impact the country’s electoral integrity, peace, and security.

Why do we need to be concerned about election-related conflicts?

The imminent election in December 2024 is unique. The flagbearers, John Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Vice President Momodu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the major parties represent different religions-Christian and Moslem; both are from the Northern regions of Ghana, a place bothering the Sahel region which is vulnerable to the overflow of terrorist acts. Further, the northern region has a prevalence of unresolved tribal conflicts resulting from festering political tensions, which could be expressed in the current elections. In addition, the governance and economic challenges facing the current government, which Vice President Bawumia represents, have worsened with adverse public opinions of severe corruption that can be trialed in courts for possible criminal offenses, much to the extent that there is an imminent threat of jailings. All these have resulted in a situation where the tensions for a make-or-a-break elections have now become the optimum objective of the flagbearers and the teaming supporters of the NDC and the NPP. The December 2024 elections will likely become the tensest in Ghana’s democratic dispensations. Therefore, one would agree that the upcoming general election in Ghana is a cause for concern, looking at the dynamics of the political activities, including statements made on campaign platforms that tend to cause widespread violence.

Pre-empting and avoiding electoral violence.

Given the looming tension, the election-related conflict is inevitable in December 2024, hence the need for amicable solutions to address it when it occurs. The challenge is for most civil society organizations, private entities, households, other corporate entities, the church, and relevant institutions to identify the cause of the election-related conflict and analyse it for a suitable solution. Election-related conflicts, when not dealt with, can spiral into violent clashes and be a conduit for armed groups to radicalize the youth, leading to terrorism and violent extremism. We hear of the Youth bulge, identified as a security threat. If not resolved, election-related conflicts are also a security threat in themselves. Most of the election-related conflicts identified in some regions in Ghana have often been driven by issues such as manipulation of election figures, vigilantism, the silence of opinion leaders and religious elitists, especially leaders of mega-churches with big following, refusal of the party who lost the elections to accept the results, abuse of political power against other groups to name a few. To prevent any predictable violence, Ghana must invoke its peace architecture. This must actively involve the engagement of churches, opinion leaders, traditional authorities, civil society groups, youth groups, religious leaders, citizens, and all voters. The entire country must be mobilized against any electoral violence.

The Supreme Court and Peaceful Electoral Petition

Critical to addressing electoral violence is the openness and willingness of the incumbent government to commit to endorsing the unmistakable will of the people after the elections. This includes faithfulness towards upholding the independence of the institutions of democracy. In 2016, the country experienced a historic event when the NPP petitioned the Supreme Court of the land regarding the elections. The verdict of that petition was in favor of the NDC. In 2020, the NDC went to the Supreme Court and petitioned to have the 2020 election results canceled, citing irregularities, but the court ruled in favor of the NPP. The question now is: will the NPP and NDC be willing to go to court this time? This situation was experienced in Nigeria during the 2024 general elections, where the court of the land ruled in favor of the government in power.

Many have argued that today’s Supreme Court is fully packed with 15 justices, most leaning toward the NPP, to the extent that the architecture of the levers of government is tilted towards the incumbent. This means there is gross mistrust of the justice of the government to the extent that citizens overwhelming hold the opinion that their will after elections could be manipulated by an incumbent who has the authority and means to manipulate the judges sitting on the petition in favor of the NPP when it comes to electoral contestations.  When operationalized in the aftermath of the elections and when petitions are mounted, this perception of citizens can lead to violence depending on the outcome of the court ruling. This notional view becomes an existential threat to Ghana’s exemplary democracy today.

Towards a Progressive Government, the Will of the People

The common sense will of the people in any electoral dispensation is to get rid of a failing government through universal suffrage. Indeed, it’s stupid to re-elect a miserable incumbent. Citizens go to the ballot boxes to elect a competent leader during national elections. Thus, any attempt to overturn the people’s will is a recipe for conflict and disaster. In today’s election in Ghana, there is an overwhelming feeling that citizens might vote in a certain way, including a possible predictable outcome. Any attempt to generate a different result that might align with the expectations of citizens might lead to consequences of upheavals.

Conclusion

The machinery of democracy must meet the expectations of citizens. And much more, the government of the day must ensure that this will is protected and handed down to another realm in the line of succession.  Further, it is essential to sensitize and educate the populace, especially the youth, on channeling their grievances through the appropriate channels to avoid violent clashes. State institutions, such as the National Peace Council, should deal efficiently with conflicts when they arise to prevent protraction. State institutions and security agencies should share information regarding suspicious activities that tend to cause or give way to persons with the motive of disrupting the electoral process. In the end, we al have a role to play in ensuring the peace and democracy of the country. Long live Ghana and Long live African democracy.

About the authors

• Dr. Victor Kofi Afetorlom Doke is a Research Fellow with the Faculty of Academic Affairs and Research (FAAR) at the KAIPTC. He holds a PhD in International Studies focusing on Conflict Resolution from Hiroshima City University (Japanese MEXT Scholar). His research interests include violent armed conflicts, elections, conflict resolution [management, prevention], and security, civil society organizations’ role in conflict resolution, mediation, and negotiation.

• Dr. Ishmael Nii Dodoo: Over 25 years of experience in African human development practices. Strong background in the United Nations System, including serving as a senior official in the Executive of the UN Secretary-General and coordinating the implementation of the UN Sahel strategy. He is the Executive vice president and co-founder of CO2 Africa Ltd. He holds a First Class Honors bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources Management from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (Ghana). He is also an African Lloyd Scholar with a graduate degree in Environmental Change and Management from Oxford University, UK, and a Doctorate fellow in Strategic Leadership from Oral Roberts University, USA.

In his address at a Stakeholder Review Forum on Media Support Programmes on Tuesday, November 7, in Accra, the Minister highlighted the five key programmes that have been in operation over the past three years and how these programmes have contributed to strengthening the country’s democratic credentials.

“The public communications sector, which includes the media is a major sector in our democratic and governance exercise and that is why it has become prudent to constantly support the media through these programmes,” he noted.

The Minister emphasised the significance of the public communications sector, including the media, in the democratic and governance exercise of the nation, which has led to the introduction of these essential programmes.

He pointed out that the Ministry of Information, serving as the official mouthpiece of the government, has evolved over the years to support the public communications ecosystem in the country through these five programmes.

Detailing the five programs, Minister Oppong Nkrumah outlined them as the Coordinated Mechanism for the Safety of Journalists, Media Capacity Enhancement Programme, collaboration to contain egregious media content, campaigns against misinformation, and industry support through global partnerships.

The Forum, themed “Assessing the Impact of the Media Support Programmes,” brought together key media stakeholders, including the National Media Commission (NMC), Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), Private Newspaper Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), as well as media practitioners and managers.

During the forum, the programmes implemented by the Ministry were presented, highlighting their key achievements, challenges, and the way forward.

The event also featured open discussions among stakeholders, including representatives from media organisations, government bodies, and academia.

Participants were given the opportunity to ask questions, make comments, and provide recommendations on various issues discussed.

This forum underscored the vital role that media support programs play in promoting democracy and fostering a healthy information ecosystem in Ghana.

All lovers of democracy must fight the creeping unconstitutional fetters to citizens’ inalienable birthrights enshrined in Article 21 of the Constitution 1992.

We must not leave this to the Democracy Hub or #FixTheCountry.

1. A public notice (press release, not a filed application) announcing that an application for an injunction has been filed can NEVER constitute service of that application unless such notice is an order by the court. A court may order service of a process by publication (substituted service) where personal service of the process has been unsuccessful after three or more attempts to serve, and further attempts deemed to cause undue delay or that personal service has become impractical (Order 7 Rule 6(1) of C.I 47).
2. The police service is a creature of law and not a law unto itself. The Constitution in Article 296 fetters the exercise of discretion where it gives discretionary power in such clear terms that “[w]here in this Constitution or in any other law discretionary power is vested in any person or authority— (a) that discretionary power shall be deemed to imply a duty to be fair and candid; (b) the exercise of the discretionary power shall not be arbitrary, capricious or biased either by resentment, prejudice or personal dislike and shall be in accordance with due process of law…”
3. Consequently, if what Oliver Barker-Vormawor told Joynews Top Story about having duly notified the police a month ago and that they have even been arranging with them, only days ago, to draw some redlines around the Jubilee House remains factual, then this is such abuse of discretion, bad faith and must not be allowed.
4. Even worse is the police’s violation of Section 1 subsections 4,5 and 6 of the Public Order Act in the ambush and premature purported application for injunction. Remember, no actual court process has been exhibited to public notice. These provisions of the Public Order Act are clear that the only time the police can approach the court to try to prohibit a demonstration is when these two conditions have first been satisfied:

i. That upon receipt of the NOTICE of demonstration, it requested organisers to postpone or relocate the event because it has reasonable grounds to believe that “if [the event is] held [it] may lead to violence or endanger public defence, public order, public safety, public health or the running of essential services or violate the rights and freedoms of any other persons”;

and

ii. That the organisers have rejected the request, or have failed, within 48 hours after the request, to write to notify police of their willingness to postpone or relocate the event.

5. If it is the case that the police did not comply with these dictates of the Public Order Act, then it is rather their conduct that threatens law and order and our democracy of the rule of law. Like the EC, the police must be told that they are not doing anybody any favours.

They are hired and paid by citizens to facilitate and not frustrate citizens’ exercise of fundamental human rights.

This shameful ambush violation is the reason Justice Dominic Dennis Adjei (sitting in as additional High Court judge) in the Let My Vote Count case stopped police from obtaining injunction ex parte and always at the last hour to stop demonstrations.

Don’t be derelict! Just go out there on Nkrumah’s birthday and provide security for the demonstrators or leave them alone!

September 20, 2023